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LAWS OF MANU<br />
Building Township and Fortification<br />
69. Let him settle in a country which is open and has a dry climate, where grain is<br />
abundant, which is chiefly (inhabited) by Aryans, not subject to epidemic diseases (or<br />
similar troubles), and pleasant, where the vassals are obedient and his own (people<br />
easily) find their livelihood.<br />
70. Let him build (there) a town, making for his safety a fortress, protected by<br />
a desert, or a fortress built of (stone and) earth, or one protected by water or trees, or<br />
one (formed by an encampment of armed) men or a hill-fort.<br />
71. Let him make every effort to secure a hill-fort, for amongst all those<br />
(fortresses mentioned) a hill-fort is distinguished by many superior qualities.<br />
72. The first three of those (various kinds of fortresses) are inhabited by wild<br />
beasts, animals living in holes and aquatic animals, the last three by monkeys, men,<br />
and gods respectively.<br />
73. As enemies do not hurt these (beings, when they are) sheltered by (their)<br />
fortresses, even so foes (can) not injure a king who has taken refuge in his fort.<br />
74. One bowman, placed on a rampart, is a match in battle for one hundred<br />
(foes), one hundred for ten thousand; hence it is prescribed (in the Sastras that a king<br />
will posses) a fortress.<br />
75. Let that (fort) be well supplied with weapons, money, grain and beasts of<br />
burden, with Brahmanas, with artisans, with engines, with fodder, and with water.<br />
76. Let him cause to be built for himself, in the centre of it, a spacious palace,<br />
(well) protected, habitable in every season, resplendent (with whitewash), supplied<br />
with water and trees.<br />
Marriage<br />
77. Inhabiting that, let him wed a consort of equal caste (varna), who<br />
possesses auspicious marks (on her body), and is born in a great family, who is<br />
charming and possesses beauty and excellent qualities.<br />
Priest and Sacrifices<br />
78. Let him appoint a domestic priest (purohita) and choose officiating priests<br />
(ritvig); they shall perform his domestic rites and the (sacrifices) for which three fires<br />
are required.<br />
79. A king shall offer various (Srauta) sacrifices at which liberal fees (are<br />
distributed), and in order to acquire merit, he shall give to Brahmanas enjoyments and<br />
wealth.<br />
Revenue<br />
80. Let him cause the annual revenue in his kingdom to be collected by trusty<br />
(officials), let him obey the sacred law in (his transactions with) the people, and<br />
behave like a father towards all men.<br />
81. For the various (branches of business) let him appoint intelligent supervisors;<br />
they shall inspect all (the acts) of those men who transact his business.<br />
Honoring Brahmins<br />
82. Let him honour those Brahmanas who have returned from their teacher’s<br />
house (after studying the Veda); for that (money which is given) to Brahmanas is<br />
declared to be an imperishable treasure for kings.<br />
83. Neither thieves nor foes can take it, nor can it be lost; hence an imperishable<br />
store must be deposited by kings with Brahmanas.<br />
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